Methane Emissions From Municipal Solid Waste Landfills in Tehran: Field Measurements and Modeling of a Nasa-Identified Global Super-Emitter Publisher



Hassanabadi M ; Mokammel A ; Orkomi A A ; Faridi S ; Naddafi K ; Yaghmaeian K ; Nazmara S ; Khanizadeh M ; Taheri A ; Hassanvand M S ; Momeniha F
Source: Atmospheric Environment Published:2026

Abstract

This study presents the first comprehensive field-based quantification of methane emissions from the Aradkouh Solid Waste Processing and Disposal Complex in Tehran, which NASA has recognized as a global super-emitter. Using an integrated approach that combines field measurements and model simulations, methane emissions were quantified through direct surface flux measurements, well and crack sampling, and modeling using LandGEM and IPCC methods. Over 159 sampling points were monitored between June 2023 and March 2024 using static flux chambers and gas chromatography, resulting in spatially resolved methane flux estimates. Total methane emissions were 206.79 tons/day (288,786 m3/day), where 91.7% of them came from active landfill areas. Direct measurements recorded notably higher fluxes in recently active sections, with peak surface fluxes reaching 4740 g m−2 day−1. Comparative modeling indicated that the IPCC First-Order Decay (FOD) method produced estimates very close to field measurements (relative error: 1.87%). In contrast, LandGEM overestimated emissions by nearly two times due to sensitivity to parameters and non-site-specific defaults. A thorough comparison with national and international studies revealed that local waste composition, operational history, and climate conditions greatly impact methane generation emission. The study also points to existing landfill engineering issues, including poor gas collection and poor data management, as key barriers to effective mitigation. To address these gaps and promote sustainable waste management practices, the Aradkouh complex should properly implement engineered landfills, online waste tracking, and enhanced control procedures instead of relying on a controlled landfill. © 2026